Are Headaches, Fever And Metallic Taste In Mouth Side Effects Of Vaccination?

Posted on Thu, 16 Jul 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 16 Jul 2015 Answered on

Mon, 3 Aug 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I received a shot at the VA yesterday. for tentius (sp) shingles and whooping cough. last night I developed a horrible headache, low grade fever and strong metallic taste in my mouth. the fever and headache are gone, the taste in my mouth remains. I called the VA this morning but they have not replied. Now it is nightfall and I am concerned.

Answered by Dr. Pavan Kumar Gupta (3 hours later)

Brief answer....nothing to worry
Detailed answer....
Hello,
Thanks for the query.
I have read your query and understand your concern.
Your symptoms of metallic taste in mouth,headache,fever are all due to mild side effects of the vaccine you have received.There is nothing to worry regarding these as these symptoms are short lived and go in 24-48 hours.
Since your fever and headache is gone,the remainder symptom of metallic taste in mouth would also go away shortly.
Just relax and don't worry at all as you should be all right in next 24 hours.
I hope it helps,however you are most welcome to revert to me for any further query.
Best of luck
Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Pavan Kumar Gupta (2 days later)

I am writing in follow up to question submitted 2 days ago. do I need to go over all of the case or do you have access to that? thank you

good morning. since our last discussion I have experience the following...a bout of severe diaharra (sp) (which has since ceased) , painful and sore stomach. I was not able to eat yesterday but did drink ensure to provide me with protein and vitamins. I have been drinking tea. I was able to eat and hold in crackers at 2 am today. my symptons now are:

headache, strong metallic taste in mouth and a stiff, sore left jar. I do not want to be overly alarmed but it is concerning to me.

I did call my Dr 3 times yesterday but did not receive a return call.

Thank you for your help.
XXXX

Answered by Dr. Pavan Kumar Gupta (3 hours later)

Hello,
With present set of symptoms,the picture seems to be clear now.
Your symptoms suggest that you had a co incidental viral infection with diarrhoea.
It was not a side effect of vaccine but a viral infection.
Since diarrhea is settled,there is nothing to be done for that now.
For body ache and headache,you can take paracetamol as and when required.
Drink plenty of fluids and just wait for couple of days for your symptoms to go away.
Absolutely nothing to get alarmed.
Best of luck
Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar